In this interview, Patti Zlaket reflects on rediscovery, creative growth, and collaboration, sharing insights into Dance Again and her renewed artistic vision shaped by experience, passion, and perseverance.
1. “Love Is For You” marks an emotional turning point—how did revisiting the song’s original meaning reshape your connection to it today?
When I revisited this song, I immediately remembered how much I loved it. I love to sing it, I love the groove of it, and I love the ultimate hook. But the premise of it still lingered in the lyrics, and that no longer worked for me. Love is not a goal to be achieved, or a prize to be won. It’s a gift. It’s always there, just waiting for us to open it and share it. I tweaked it a bit to reflect that broader message, and I like it even more now.
2. After stepping away from recording for some time, what felt different—creatively and personally—when you began working on Dance Again?
So many things felt different. I know myself now, and I know more about making music, performing, and who I am as an artist. I have more confidence, and I also appreciate the entire process of making a record in a whole new way. “Distance makes the heart grow fonder” has never been more accurate or true for me than it is now. Being away from the studio, and the entire creative process with the goal of making a great record in mind, made me realize how much I absolutely love it. There is nothing like performing live, but being in a studio with brilliant musicians, an exceptional producer, and songs I’m proud of and excited about, might just be the most magical place on earth for me.
3. How did collaborating with Lee Sklar influence the direction and spirit of this new album?
Lee Sklar changed my life. There’s no other way to say it. His generous and genuine response to me and my music set this whole thing in motion. I feel so fortunate to have met him and worked with him in the studio. And I get to play live with him now, too, which is even more thrilling for me. But becoming his friend and getting to know how wonderful a human being he is, that has been the real gift in all of this. He’s one of a kind on every level. A legendary musician and person. He brought the best out of me on these songs. I literally gave it my all because a musician like him is always giving it his all. I was determined to keep up!
4. Working with producer Tariqh Akoni, known for his diverse background, what new elements did he bring to your sound?
Tariqh is gifted in so many ways, it’s hard to describe them all. He challenged me from day one to really stretch my vision for this record. I’m certain I was meant to meet him and work with him. Our musical sensibilities are very similar, but he also has such broad experience and such great instincts about how to approach a song. When he and I were working on the demos, he’d send me what he’d come up with as far as the arrangements, and on more than one occasion, I was left in tears with my jaw on the floor. Never could I have ended up where he took those songs if left to my own devices. He’s a master craftsman. He’s also a great person, and we had an absolute blast making this album!
5. Your journey spans music, touring, and even law—how have these different chapters shaped your songwriting voice today?
I always say, life is big. You can do more than one thing, and I have! Every experience has only added to my artistry. The more things you do, places you go, people you meet – the more you have to think about and write about. I’ve taken a lot of different roads in my life, but I wouldn’t trade a single one. They’ve brought me to where I am now, and I’m loving it.
6. With this resurgence and a growing new audience, what do you hope listeners take away from Dance Again and this new phase of your career?
Obviously, I hope people enjoy the music. I also hope that anyone who is following my story realizes that there is no deadline on making a dream come true. Taking chances never goes out of style, and I hope to be doing that for the rest of my life. If my journey inspires someone else to reach for something they want, then this chapter will have been an even richer one.
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